Photos: Along the Gulf Coast

A blue heron stands in the water at Lake Shelby in Gulf Shores, Ala. The oil spill occurred just before the peak tourist season, hampering the region's usually bustling summer scene.

A blue heron stands in the water at Lake Shelby in Gulf Shores, Ala. The oil spill occurred just before the peak tourist season, hampering the region's usually bustling summer scene. (Dave Martin / Associated Press)